The Senior Commercial Manager is responsible for leading all legal, contractual, governance, and compliance activities across a UK project portfolio. The role ensures the commercial integrity and financial protection of the business by securing agreements that minimise risk, maximise financial performance, and optimise commercial opportunities.

Working proactively within project teams and across business functions—including Finance and Procurement—the postholder provides strategic commercial direction and ensures full compliance with company policies, processes, and governance requirements. This includes appropriate escalation and senior-level briefings where necessary.

• Deliver high-quality, commercially focused contractual support to internal stakeholders and external customers in a timely, proactive, and solution-oriented manner.

• Safeguard business objectives by identifying, managing, and mitigating contractual risks and liabilities.

• Promote and enhance a strong contract management culture through expert advice, guidance, and training where appropriate.

• Ensure adherence to company compliance programmes and governance frameworks, acting as a key point of contact for related matters.

• Collaborate effectively and transparently with project teams and wider business stakeholders.

• Lead and manage all contract lifecycle activities, from bid phase through performance and close-out, including changes, notifications, correspondence, and issue resolution.

• Draft, review, negotiate, and approve commercial and legal documentation, including customer, partner, and supplier agreements.

• Support dispute management, claims resolution, and litigation activities in coordination with Group Legal and Compliance functions.

• Interface with external legal counsel where required.

• Manage upstream and downstream supply chain risks from a contractual perspective.

• Identify and manage contractual, commercial, technical, and legislative risks and opportunities throughout the project lifecycle.

• Present commercial strategies and lead negotiations with senior stakeholders and external partners.

• Minimum 5 years' experience as an in-house Senior Commercial or Contract Manager within an international commercial environment.

• Experience working with complex procurement frameworks (knowledge of ESA, UK Space Agency, or MOD procurement processes is desirable but not essential).

• Proven experience drafting and negotiating collaborative agreements, including Teaming Agreements, MOUs/HOAs, and NDAs.

• Strong working knowledge of contract and corporate law, including compliance areas such as anti-corruption, antitrust, data protection, and trade compliance.

• Demonstrable expertise in dispute resolution and claims management.

• Strong financial acumen, with experience reviewing complex financial models and commercial parameters.

• Skilled negotiator with the ability to influence and engage senior management.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and intercultural skills.

• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a dynamic, project-driven environment.

• Strong analytical and numerical capability, including advanced Excel skills.

• Degree in Business, Law, or a related discipline (or equivalent professional qualification, e.g. CIPS Level 6).

• IACCM accreditation desirable.

• Knowledge of UK Contract and Company Law.

• Understanding of UK and international export control regulations.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.

• Full UK Driving Licence and valid passport.

Due to the sensitive nature of our work, this role requires UK Security Clearance (SC). Holding current SC clearance is advantageous; however, the successful candidate must be willing and eligible to obtain and maintain SC clearance prior to commencing employment.

Eligibility for SC typically requires residency in the UK for the past five years. xbpsjku In certain circumstances, a minimum of three years' UK residency within the last five years may be acceptable, subject to additional overseas checks.